Computer Scienceat University of California-Irvine
Graduates earn $82,161/yr in their first year — about 11.0% above the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,224K; scenarios range from $865K to $1,297K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UC Irvine
Graduates earn $82,161/yr, edging above the $73,713 national average for Computer Science — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.
With a 21.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
Career paths for Computer Science carry above-average AI exposure (72% of tasks). The 33% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.
At $15,000 in median debt against $82,161 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
At #22 of 345 programs, this Computer Science program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.
The $82,161-to-$132,705 earnings arc over five years reflects a 62% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to UC Irvine's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Computer Science
How UC Irvine stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UC Irvine
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UC Irvine, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Computer Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Computer Science at UC Irvine
What does a 88/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at University of California-Irvine?
At 88/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at University of California-Irvine?
The 72% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.